Azucar restaurant review

[happygolucky]

Azucar serive was good. Drinks (mojitos $11) were expensive while the size was half as that of South City Grill's (they try to stuff as much ice as possible in that small glass) = Mojito was good but definitely not worth that much money. Serious lack of vegetarian stuff! They do have a veggie menu but the items on there are mainly fries & black bean soup & salad (no entree) = restaurant doesnt really cater to vegetarians but that can maybe be blamed on nature of the cuisine (???). Suggestion for them would be some rice and bean entree with veggies thrown in. Would I go there for dinner again- nope!
PS: What's with the plain white rice on the veggie menu???

[Azucar]

Serious lack of vegetarian stuff! They do have a veggie menu but the items on there are mainly fries & black bean soup & salad (no entree) = restaurant doesnt really cater to vegetarians but that can maybe be blamed on nature of the cuisine (???). Suggestion for them would be some rice and bean entree with veggies thrown in. Would I go there for dinner again- nope!
PS: What's with the plain white rice on the veggie menu???

Hello - Thanks for your comments. We are very proud of our mojitos since we muddle them fresh with lime, fresh mint and sugar - not simple syrup like most bars give you. Additionally, the rum we use is Premium rum and therefore costs us more money.
As far as the vegetarian menu, I have addressed this in the past - Cuba is a carnivorous country! Although we have made a concerted effort to set aside non-meat dishes, we are a traditional Cuban restaurant which means we will not offer tofu as a meat substitute etc... We do offer mixed vegetables that you can order with rice and beans and mix them if you wish - why not?
Also, as far as the white rice is concerned, the vegetarian menu simply means non-meat selections. I do believe that vegetarians can eat white rice, correct? In fact, this coupled with the black beans is quite a filling and delicious entree substitute that most vegetarians that have come here have enjoyed immensely.

Thank you!

[Smurfy]

:rolleyes: This thread reminds me that I have to make reservations for Saturday, the 15th, when the 'rents are in town ... Azucar - any chance there's an open spot for 4?

[DogLover]

I LOVE LOVE Azucar! I was there for their live music on Wednesday and it was great.....I can't wait to go back!! YUMMY!!!!!! :D

[Azucar]

:rolleyes: This thread reminds me that I have to make reservations for Saturday, the 15th, when the 'rents are in town ... Azucar - any chance there's an open spot for 4?

Hi Smurfy - What time would you like your reservation on the 15th for 4 people?

Thank you.

[Azucar]

I LOVE LOVE Azucar! I was there for their live music on Wednesday and it was great.....I can't wait to go back!! YUMMY!!!!!! :D

Thanks doglover! We actually just added live music on Friday nights and Saturday nights also starting at 6PM. I was just going to start a new thread about it... Hope to see you then!

[renuka]

Some friends and I just returned from Azucar tonight and I've gotta say it's a GREAT place, a lotta fun, a very festive atmosphere (just right if you're celebrating something as we were) and the food is just great! I guess you have to be a meat eater though to appreciate the cuisine - it's fab! Those desserts are amazing too! And the service was just so warm and friendly. Was some good live music there tonight too. We all had a great time and hope to be back real soon. Thanks for making this a memorable experience for us. :)

[dogday]

Hello All,
I too very much enjoyed Azucar :)
Had rice & beans matter of fact--it was way yummy too
look forward to returning soon

[Sonia]

My daughter often goes meatless for health reasons. She likes Azucar's boiled Yuca (casava), which is a root vegetable. They serve it with a mojo sauce (garlic, olive oil & lemon), tastes great, and is a nice compliment to the rice and beans. Also we suggest you try the Yuca fries, as a healthier alternative to french fries.

Azucar rocks! :)

[Azucar]

Thanks to all for your very kind reviews - we hope to see you again very soon!

[Azucar]

Some friends and I just returned from Azucar tonight and I've gotta say it's a GREAT place, a lotta fun, a very festive atmosphere (just right if you're celebrating something as we were) and the food is just great! I guess you have to be a meat eater though to appreciate the cuisine - it's fab! Those desserts are amazing too! And the service was just so warm and friendly. Was some good live music there tonight too. We all had a great time and hope to be back real soon. Thanks for making this a memorable experience for us. :)

Hello Renuka - So great to see you again tonight - and thanks for bringing some new friends. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

[Azucar]

Azucar rocks! :)

Thank you Sonia - We look forward to seeing you soon!

[Rocketman]

I have dined at Azucar twice now, and I must say the food is amazing! It is 100% authentic, and I should know since I am Cuban. For those who complain about the lack of veggie dishes etc., you obviously don't understand what this cuisine is all about. Please stop complaining about this wonderful addition to the Newport dining scene. Stick with the mediocre Indian or Asian restaurants nearby.

[msion1]

We ate there last night. Love it. Now this is a perfect example of a value-added new business being brought to and supported by the Newport community. I wish them continued success.

[renuka]

Thanks, we had a lot of fun AGAIN (2 nights in a row!!) - we were celebrating AGAIN (Strange but true ... this was a celebration for a diff. reason). I'm glad that the atmosphere is so festive and perfect for personal celebrations. We all enjoyed it and yes, I even decided to try the veg. options for the entree. So did one of my friends. We were both very pleased, thanks.


Hello Renuka - So great to see you again tonight - and thanks for bringing some new friends. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

[Azucar]

Thank you Rocketman, msion1 and Renuka. We are really trying to give everyone a great dining experience and really appreciate your positive feedback. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

[Smurfy]

I was there Saturday night - love it! (And the waitress we always have is fabulous - she remembers us every time!)

Azucar - there may be more than 4 people for the 15th, so I'll call to make a reservation as soon as I get this all sorted out!

[DogLover]

I was there Saturday night - love it! (And the waitress we always have is fabulous - she remembers us every time!)

Azucar - there may be more than 4 people for the 15th, so I'll call to make a reservation as soon as I get this all sorted out!


It really is the best! Everyone who works there is really nice too, which makes the whole dining experience that much more enjoyable!!!

[sunshine_in_newport]

Are we talking about the same restaurant...

I went there on the opening week. Thanks to my best friend, who lived in Miami for a long time ... and not to mention I eat Cuban food almost 4-6 times a month. To say the least, I was extremely dissapointed.

The service was horrible. The entrees arrived before the appetizers... the drinks arrived when we were almost done with the food and when trying to cancel the drink orders. We were rushed... the waiter came to grab our plates twice, even the hostess came by while we were still eating and asked if we were done. It's not like we were eating slowly... I assumed they had a long line outside... but that does not mean we should be rushed like that!!

Now about the food... it's only average. If you eat Cuban food often, you know this is only average and nothing to write home about. If you want to try really good Cuban food, I suggest you cross the river to the Village. There are some amazing small Cuban restaurants.

About Veg options... it is hard to find veg options in the menu in any Cuban restaurants... not just this one. I thought the menu options here were good ... just not the quality of food and service.

[DogLover]

Are we talking about the same restaurant...

I went there on the opening week. Thanks to my best friend, who lived in Miami for a long time ... and not to mention I eat Cuban food almost 4-6 times a month. To say the least, I was extremely dissapointed.

The service was horrible. The entrees arrived before the appetizers... the drinks arrived when we were almost done with the food and when trying to cancel the drink orders. We were rushed... the waiter came to grab our plates twice, even the hostess came by while we were still eating and asked if we were done. It's not like we were eating slowly... I assumed they had a long line outside... but that does not mean we should be rushed like that!!

Now about the food... it's only average. If you eat Cuban food often, you know this is only average and nothing to write home about. If you want to try really good Cuban food, I suggest you cross the river to the Village. There are some amazing small Cuban restaurants.

About Veg options... it is hard to find veg options in the menu in any Cuban restaurants... not just this one. I thought the menu options here were good ... just not the quality of food and service.

That is very strange......I have always been extremely impressed with their service and their food. I would definitely give them another chance because I have always received nothing less than stellar service when I have been there. They pride themselves on good service and good food and I have always been impressed with both! Give them another shot....I am sure you will think differently!!!

[ajay_chatopadhya]

Azucar serive was good. Drinks (mojitos $11) were expensive while the size was half as that of South City Grill's (they try to stuff as much ice as possible in that small glass) = Mojito was good but definitely not worth that much money. Serious lack of vegetarian stuff! They do have a veggie menu but the items on there are mainly fries & black bean soup & salad (no entree) = restaurant doesnt really cater to vegetarians but that can maybe be blamed on nature of the cuisine (???). Suggestion for them would be some rice and bean entree with veggies thrown in. Would I go there for dinner again- nope!
PS: What's with the plain white rice on the veggie menu???

We were asked if we want any drinks.. we said no just plain water.. later we were charged 6 bucks or some thing for that.. might be nice if we were told that plain water meant a fancy bottle of water.. On the other hand, I like their veggie salad a lot. It was nice.. I think it was ensalada some thing..

[Smurfy]

Are we talking about the same restaurant...

I went there on the opening week. Thanks to my best friend, who lived in Miami for a long time ... and not to mention I eat Cuban food almost 4-6 times a month. To say the least, I was extremely dissapointed.

The service was horrible. The entrees arrived before the appetizers... the drinks arrived when we were almost done with the food and when trying to cancel the drink orders. We were rushed... the waiter came to grab our plates twice, even the hostess came by while we were still eating and asked if we were done. It's not like we were eating slowly... I assumed they had a long line outside... but that does not mean we should be rushed like that!!

Now about the food... it's only average. If you eat Cuban food often, you know this is only average and nothing to write home about. If you want to try really good Cuban food, I suggest you cross the river to the Village. There are some amazing small Cuban restaurants.

About Veg options... it is hard to find veg options in the menu in any Cuban restaurants... not just this one. I thought the menu options here were good ... just not the quality of food and service.

I've worked in enough restaurants to know that opening night service is almost always crazy. Huge lines, demanding customers, opening night jitters in the staff ... I always avoid those evenings!

As far as the service, I love how attentive the staff is. I don't like having a plate sitting in front of me when I'm done, so I'm happy to see attentive servers/busboys. In fact, out of sheer coincidence, my boyfriend and I always end up with the same waitress while we're there - she's fabulous (curly hair, accent)! She always remembers us, chats with us about how our jobs are going, how her college career is going. I'd much rather have attentive service than be ignored!

I adore the food - I had the first chicken dish listed on the menu while there Saturday night ... AMAZING, as always. But, if you don't like it ... To each his/her own.

[renuka]

I'd agree with Smurfy. As an example, on opening night the South City Grill didn't have impeccable service. However my friends and I just figured it was opening night jitters etc.. So we didn't write them off - one incident is not enough of a sample after all. And look at business there now!

Personally I think the staff at Azucar is really friendly, always greet patrons with a smile and entertain with small talk.

The food and drink are great too and this stuff has really got to do with individual preference (as with any cuisine). After all, tastes vary.

Bottomline : Azucar is a great addition to the neighborhood! We wish them much success!


I've worked in enough restaurants to know that opening night service is almost always crazy. Huge lines, demanding customers, opening night jitters in the staff ... I always avoid those evenings!

As far as the service, I love how attentive the staff is. I don't like having a plate sitting in front of me when I'm done, so I'm happy to see attentive servers/busboys. In fact, out of sheer coincidence, my boyfriend and I always end up with the same waitress while we're there - she's fabulous (curly hair, accent)! She always remembers us, chats with us about how our jobs are going, how her college career is going. I'd much rather have attentive service than be ignored!

I adore the food - I had the first chicken dish listed on the menu while there Saturday night ... AMAZING, as always. But, if you don't like it ... To each his/her own.

[msion1]

Make sure you try to the Coco Loco mojito if you haven't already. Very tasty!! :D

[Azucar]

Are we talking about the same restaurant...

I went there on the opening week. Thanks to my best friend, who lived in Miami for a long time ... and not to mention I eat Cuban food almost 4-6 times a month. To say the least, I was extremely dissapointed.

The service was horrible. The entrees arrived before the appetizers... the drinks arrived when we were almost done with the food and when trying to cancel the drink orders. We were rushed... the waiter came to grab our plates twice, even the hostess came by while we were still eating and asked if we were done. It's not like we were eating slowly... I assumed they had a long line outside... but that does not mean we should be rushed like that!!

Now about the food... it's only average. If you eat Cuban food often, you know this is only average and nothing to write home about. If you want to try really good Cuban food, I suggest you cross the river to the Village. There are some amazing small Cuban restaurants.

About Veg options... it is hard to find veg options in the menu in any Cuban restaurants... not just this one. I thought the menu options here were good ... just not the quality of food and service.

Thanks for your post Sunshine... Opening week was complete mayhem for us as we were training a completely new staff (kitchen and waitstaff) not to mention getting trained on a computer system that was also new. It was crazy! Out of the original 30 employees that we had when we opened, only about 4 remain since we weeded out the ones that were not representative of how we care to run our business. Since we are a "mom & pop" restaurant, my husband and I are ALWAYS here and we are always looking for ways to improve both the quality of our food as well as the service that all of our customers receive. I really am sorry if you received food and/or service that was not to your expectations. I suggest you give us another try - We have a more seasoned staff and are striving every day to improve to make for a better dining experience for you all.

Thank you.

[renuka]

Thanks for the great meal last night and the recommendations from our server. The evening was fun as usual ... :)

[Azucar]

Thanks Renuka! Always a pleasure to see you as well... Don't forget to stop by this Wednesday for some free Salsa lessons! Hope to see you then...

[sunshine_in_newport]

Thanks for your post Sunshine... Opening week was complete mayhem for us as we were training a completely new staff (kitchen and waitstaff) not to mention getting trained on a computer system that was also new. It was crazy! Out of the original 30 employees that we had when we opened, only about 4 remain since we weeded out the ones that were not representative of how we care to run our business. Since we are a "mom & pop" restaurant, my husband and I are ALWAYS here and we are always looking for ways to improve both the quality of our food as well as the service that all of our customers receive. I really am sorry if you received food and/or service that was not to your expectations. I suggest you give us another try - We have a more seasoned staff and are striving every day to improve to make for a better dining experience for you all.

Thank you.

OK... I will give it a try this weekend. What are the two best thing on your menu that I should try? I am not a picky eater... I eat anything that moves and doesn't talk back. :)

[Azucar]

OK... I will give it a try this weekend. What are the two best thing on your menu that I should try? I am not a picky eater... I eat anything that moves and doesn't talk back. :)

Thanks for your posting. My two personal favorites are:

Pollo al Ajillo (which is strips of chicken breast in a saffron, white wine and garlic sauce served with white rice, moro rice, salad, cassava or Cuban fries). I like this particular dish with either moro rice (white rice with the black beans mixed) or the plain white rice. It's a saucy dish so I don't get the black beans unless I want them as an appetizer. I like to mix the chicken and the sauce with my rice. It's very garlicy and has a touch of spice although you can tell your server if you want it very spicy or not...

Bistec de Palomilla (which is sirloin steak pounded thin then pan fried with sauteed onions and garlic served with white rice, moro rice, salad, cassava or Cuban fries). I like this particular dish with white rice and the black beans. It's not a very saucy dish and I love to pour the black beans over the rice....

For dessert, my favorite is the Flan de Leche Classico (Egg caramel flan) followed in a close second place by the Natilla Azucar (Similiar to creme brulee).

Look forward to seeing you soon...

Thank you!

[mopotofu]

What time are the free salsa lessons? I'm interested (dont have a partner though). Is it "on 1" or "on 2"? thanks.


Thanks Renuka! Always a pleasure to see you as well... Don't forget to stop by this Wednesday for some free Salsa lessons! Hope to see you then...